Goldson, Spencer could earn way back as starters

Goldson, Spencer could earn way back as starters

SANTA CLARA -- Safety Dashon Goldson and cornerback Shawntae Spencer both entered this season with 32-game streaks as starters in the 49ers' secondary. And they might get their chances this week to return to the lineup.The 49ers own the No. 25-ranked pass defense in the NFL after surrendering 432 yards passing and three touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys in a 27-24 overtime loss on Sunday. So they're definitely looking for upgrades.
"We're not where we want to be," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said of the pass defense.

Goldson, who last week declared himself 100-percent healthy after missing two weeks with a sore knee, did not suit up for Sunday's game. Spencer saw just one defensive snap from scrimmage after missing most of training camp with a hamstring strain.Goldson was atop the 49ers' depth chart at free safety before veteran Madieu Williams replaced him in the lineup for the final exhibition game. Goldson is expected to eventually return to the starting role when he's back in game shape.
Spencer is currently the 49ers' fourth cornerback behind Carlos Rogers, Tarell Brown and Tramaine Brock. Rogers and Brown are the starters, while Brock leads the 49ers with two interceptions in two games.This will be a big week of practices for both Goldson and Spencer, Harbaugh said, as they look to earn their way back into their accustomed starting roles."They definitely have the ability and experience and license to do that," Harbaugh said. "And they'll definitely have that shot this week. Both are working their way back into the lineup, so that'll be something to really assess and look at this week."

Staley sits out 49ers practice with hamstring injury

Staley sits out 49ers practice with hamstring injury

SANTA CLARA – Left tackle Joe Staley, who has not missed a game since 2010, did not practice Thursday due to a hamstring injury.

The 49ers’ five-time Pro Bowl performer has the third-longest active streak among offensive tackles with 92 consecutive starts. Only Cleveland's Joe Thomas (156) and Oakland's Donald Penn (152) have started more consecutive games.

Staley’s availability for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium is in question after he was held out of practice on Thursday after going through the full workload on Wednesday.

If Staley is unable to play, the 49ers would likely move left guard Zane Beadles to left tackle and insert Andrew Tiller at left guard. Tiller started the first five games of the season at right guard before rookie Joshua Garnett took over.

“You can bet that the men and women we honor today, and those who died that fateful morning 75 years ago, never took a knee and never failed to stand whenever they heard our national anthem being played."

Many of those in attendance gave the Admiral a standing ovation.

During the preseason, Kaepernick remained seated on the 49ers' team bench during the national anthem.

After sparking a national controversy, Kaepernick began kneeling as opposed to sitting.

After the 49ers' loss to the Bears on Sunday, Kaepernick said he will continue his demonstration moving forward.

"Today we have a precious opportunity to reflect -- to reflect on what it means to be a patriot, to reflect on what it means to be a nation tested by war, and to reflect on both the costs and the blessings of liberty," Admiral Harris added. "To America's World War II patriots here and watching at home -- we will never forget your courage under considerable fire and seemingly insurmountable odds.

"Because of you, our future remains bright. We owe you an immeasurable debt and we can't thank you enough for answering the call of duty when Lady Liberty needed it the most."